Reverse Mentoring Programs
Can Bridge Generational Gaps

By

Kris Maher Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Nov. 11, 2003 12:01 a.m. ET

When consulting firm Deloitte & Touche LLP instituted a reverse-mentoring program in 2001, 48-year-old Jim Wall, its national managing director for human resources, found himself tapping the wisdom of a 26-year-old associate consultant.

According to Mr. Wall, many participating executives were surprised by how quickly the mentoring led to valuable insights into how both younger staffers and the marketplace perceived the firm....